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Harrington suburb profile

Harrington is a picturesque coastal suburb located in New South Wales, nestled at the mouth of the Manning River. Known for its serene environment and stunning natural beauty, Harrington offers a relaxed lifestyle with a strong community spirit. The suburb is popular for its fishing, boating, and outdoor activities, attracting both retirees and families seeking a peaceful retreat. With its charming village atmosphere, Harrington features a mix of modern homes and traditional cottages, along with essential amenities and local shops. Its proximity to pristine beaches and national parks makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil coastal escape.

Harrington property market performance

Current median dwelling price$606,000Past 3 months

Harrington's real estate market has seen modest growth in house values over the past 12 months, with a 1.2% increase bringing the median house price to $750,000. The unit market has remained static with no change in median values, likely due to limited sales data.

In the past year, 31 houses were sold, while unit sales were negligible, reflecting a lower demand or supply for units. Houses are taking longer to sell, averaging 91 days on the market, indicating a slower-moving market.

The rental market has shown significant increases, with house rents rising by 10.4% and unit rents by 15.7%, suggesting strong rental demand despite the overall subdued sales market.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$750KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
1.2%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
311
Median days on market
Past 12 months
91N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$530$405
Change in rent
Past 12 months
10.4%15.7%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Harrington demographics

Harrington, located in the picturesque Mid North Coast of New South Wales, is a serene coastal suburb known for its tranquil lifestyle and scenic beauty. With a population of 3,381, it is a tight-knit community that appeals particularly to retirees and those seeking a peaceful environment away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The median age of 64 highlights its popularity among older residents, many of whom are drawn to the area's natural charm and relaxed pace.

The suburb's housing landscape is characterized by a high rate of outright home ownership, with 66.7% of properties owned outright. This reflects the stability and long-term residency of its inhabitants, many of whom have chosen Harrington as their retirement haven. Only 14.8% of properties are owned with a mortgage, and 18.5% are rented, indicating a relatively low turnover and a strong sense of community among residents.

Family structures in Harrington are predominantly composed of couples without children, making up 70.3% of the family demographic. This is indicative of the suburb's appeal to empty nesters and retirees. The presence of couple families with children (16%) and one-parent families (12%) adds to the diversity, though they are less prevalent. With its beautiful coastal setting, Harrington offers a peaceful lifestyle with the benefits of a close-knit community, making it an ideal location for those seeking a quieter, more relaxed way of life.

Harrington infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Harrington’s main local advantage is its established coastal setting, with Harrington Beach State Park and the Manning River mouth supporting lifestyle appeal, recreation and tourism demand. This natural amenity can help sustain buyer interest in homes that offer walkability to the waterfront and village conveniences.

No major new transport, school or large-scale redevelopment projects are evident in the available information, so the local property market appears to be driven more by lifestyle appeal and existing amenity than by near-term infrastructure change. With its small-village character and proximity to Taree, Harrington is likely to remain attractive to buyers seeking a quieter coastal lifestyle.

Harrington rental market trends

The rental market in Harrington is on the rise, with house rents increasing 10.4% over the past year to $530 per week, while unit rents have surged 15.7% to $405 per week. With its appealing coastal lifestyle and growing demand, Harrington presents an attractive opportunity for both investors and renters seeking a relaxed yet dynamic community.

Suburbs near Harrington

Some popular suburbs near Harrington include:

How does Harrington compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Harrington’s median house price is 18.9% higher than Cundletown’s.
  • Median unit prices: Harrington’s median unit price is 17.7% higher than Old Bar’s.
  • House price growth: Property prices in nearby Old Bar have risen 1.4% more than in Harrington over the past year.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in nearby Old Bar are selling 40.7% faster than in Harrington.

Common questions about Harrington

  • Is Harrington a nice place to live?

    Harrington is a delightful coastal suburb that offers a serene and picturesque lifestyle, making it a wonderful place to live for those who appreciate natural beauty and a close-knit community. The suburb is known for its charming village atmosphere and is nestled at the mouth of the Manning River, providing residents with stunning views and easy access to water-based activities. Families will find Harrington appealing due to its peaceful environment and the abundance of outdoor activities, such as fishing, boating, and exploring nearby national parks. The local amenities, including shops and essential services, cater well to the needs of the community, ensuring a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.

    While Harrington is a haven for those seeking tranquility, it does come with a few trade-offs. The suburb's appeal lies in its relaxed pace and natural surroundings, which means it lacks the hustle and bustle of city life and the extensive amenities found in larger urban areas. This might not suit those looking for vibrant nightlife or extensive shopping options. However, the suburb's proximity to Taree provides access to additional services and facilities when needed. Safety is generally not a concern in this peaceful community, making it an ideal location for families and retirees alike.

    For families, Harrington offers a safe and nurturing environment, with a strong sense of community that supports family life. The suburb's natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities provide an enriching backdrop for raising children. While the demographic is skewed towards retirees and couples without children, the presence of families adds diversity to the community. Ultimately, Harrington is a charming and peaceful place to live, perfect for those who value a slower pace of life and the joys of coastal living.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Harrington?

    Living in Harrington can be considered moderately expensive, especially when you look at the property market. The median house price in Harrington is currently around $750,000. This might seem steep, especially when compared to the median total household income in the area, which is $883 per week. For those looking to rent, the average rent for houses is about $530 per week, while units are slightly more affordable at $405 per week.

    When you compare these figures to the New South Wales state average wage of approximately $90,000 per year, it becomes clear that the cost of housing in Harrington could take up a significant portion of a household's income. This might make it challenging for some families to manage living expenses comfortably. However, it's worth noting that Harrington offers the charm of a regional town, which can be appealing for those looking for a quieter lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

    Disclaimer: To assess whether a suburb is considered expensive, we’ve looked at mortgage and rental costs as a proportion of the average local salary. That said, everyone’s financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.
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  • Is Harrington a good place to invest?

    Harrington presents an intriguing opportunity for property investors, particularly those interested in rental income. While the change in median house and unit values over the last year has been modest, with houses seeing a 1.2% increase and units remaining stable, the rental market tells a different story. Rental prices for houses have surged by 10.4%, and units have seen an impressive 15.7% increase. This indicates a strong demand for rental properties, which can be appealing for investors looking to capitalize on rental yields.

    The steady property values combined with significant rental growth suggest that Harrington could be a good choice for those focusing on rental income rather than immediate capital gains. The suburb's appeal may lie in its lifestyle offerings and community atmosphere, which attract renters seeking a coastal living experience. While it may not be the fastest-growing market in terms of property value, the rental demand provides a reliable income stream, making Harrington a potentially rewarding investment for those prioritizing rental returns.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Harrington

There are 14 real estate agents in Harrington, but they don’t all deliver the same results.

Some agents have a much stronger presence in the suburb, with just 5 agents handling around 83.0% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in Harrington typically range from 2.63% to 3.25%. Comparing agents—including what they charge, what’s included, and how they structure their fees—is not only important when choosing an agent, the right structure can help ensure your chosen agent is motivated to achieve the best possible result.

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